EU flags Israel for potential human rights breach in Gaza, review of key trade agreement underway
Brussels: The European Union has acknowledged “indications” that Israel may be breaching human rights obligations in Gaza, according to a confidential document leaked to The Guardian. While the document stops short of recommending sanctions, it marks a critical turning point in EU-Israel relations.
Prepared by the EU’s foreign policy service and set to be presented by foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, the document states that Israel could be in violation of Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. That agreement, signed in 1995, forms the backbone of a €68 billion trade relationship between Israel and the 27-member bloc.
The Guardian reports that this internal paper draws upon findings by the International Court of Justice, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other international bodies. However, it clarifies that the assessment does not reflect a formal value judgment by any EU official.
The review was initiated after 17 EU member states, including the Netherlands, a traditionally close ally of Israel raised concerns over Israel’s military actions and blockade in Gaza. Since October 2023, more than 55,600 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Despite EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s reiteration of Israel’s right to self-defense during its conflict with Iran, criticism has grown over Europe’s muted response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 100 civil society organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, recently urged the EU to suspend the agreement, warning that continued trade without action would “destroy” the EU’s credibility.
In an earlier commentary reported by The Guardian, Amnesty’s EU head Eve Geddie said the review had come “tragically, devastatingly late,” accusing Israeli forces of growing more emboldened over time.
The political divide within the EU continues to hamper decisive action. Full suspension of the agreement would require unanimity, a highly unlikely outcome due to expected vetoes from countries like Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Germany. Even partial suspensions, such as barring Israel from the Horizon research programme (from which it has received €831 million since 2021), remain uncertain.
A separate letter from eight EU countries, led by Belgium, also urged the EU to halt trade in goods from Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories. That request stems from an ICJ advisory opinion last year calling on all states not to recognize Israel’s occupation as lawful.
As The Guardian highlights, the push for a policy shift gained momentum last month following mass protests in the Netherlands. The Dutch foreign minister, Casper Veldkamp, declared Israel’s blockade of Gaza to be in violation of international law and urged a reassessment of the EU-Israel agreement.
Despite these developments, internal EU disagreements persist. In statements covered by The Guardian, Kaja Kallas noted that while she sympathised with demands for action, sanctions require unanimity. “Sanctions that will not pass only highlight our lack of unity,” she said.
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7 held in election-related violence in Assam: Police
Guwahati, Apr 9 (PTI) Seven people were held in connection with election-related violence at two places in Assam, officials said on Thursday.
Besides, minor clashes also erupted at several polling booths after voting began in the morning, with people suffering minor injuries, they said.
Inspector General of Police (Law and Order), Akhilesh Kumar Singh, told PTI that violence took place in Tamulpur and Sivasagar on Wednesday night, hours before polling began for the assembly elections at 7 am.
"We got reports of a clash between two groups at Tamulpur last night. Police reached the spot immediately and tried to control the crowd. When they did not listen, a few rounds were fired in the air to disperse the mob," he said, adding that four people were arrested from the site.
In another incident, two to three members of a political party were attacked in Sivasagar, the IG said.
"We have detained three persons there. The investigation is going on," he said.
Akhil Gogoi, who is seeking re-election from the Sibsagar seat, alleged that BJP nominee Kushal Dowari was behind the incident.
In a series of social media posts, Gogoi claimed two people were injured, and their vehicles were also damaged in the attack.
Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) Chief Executive Member Hagrama Mohilary said a detailed enquiry will reveal the cause of the clash in Tamulpur.
"The situation is normal now. We are monitoring it, and there is enough security presence to avoid any untoward incident," he said.
Polling is underway for the 126-member assembly to decide the electoral fate of 722 candidates. It will continue till 5 pm, with May 4 scheduled for the counting of votes.
A number of minor clashes have erupted at several polling stations in Sribhumi, Golaghat and Nagaon districts.
"Most of the clashes took place due to heavy rush, with people fighting over breaking the queue," an official said.
At some polling booths in places like Patharkandi, Merapani and Raha, supporters of ruling and opposition parties clashed, he said.
"However, police were already present in those areas, and the situations were handled instantly. The polling is going on uninterrupted," he added.
The BJP-led NDA is seeking a third consecutive term in power in these elections, while the Congress is looking to reclaim the state it lost a decade ago.
